New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing criticism for requiring multiple forms of identification for residents who want to earn money as emergency snow shovelers, even as his political allies oppose voter ID laws. Critics on social media and political commentators pointed to the apparent contrast between the mayor’s ID rules for paid labor and the Democratic Socialists of America’s opposition to voter identification laws.
“This is all longstanding. Federal law requires that employers get authorization and documentation to pay people for their work. We are not allowed to just cut checks to individuals for their work,” Mamdani said during a press conference, defending the program and its requirements.
🚨 NEW: Zohran Mamdani Defends Requiring ID to Shovel Snow in NYC
— Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) February 22, 2026
“Federal law requires that employers get authorization and documentation to pay people for their work. We are not allowed to just cut checks to individuals for their work.” pic.twitter.com/iJxPeJVa5X
The announcement comes as New York City braces for a major winter storm, with forecasts calling for up to 28 inches of snow and wind gusts reaching 60 miles per hour. Mamdani encouraged residents to register as emergency snow shovelers to help clear public areas, including bus stops, crosswalks, fire hydrants, and step streets.
“For those who want to do more to help your neighbors and earn some extra cash, you too can become an emergency snow shoveler. Just show up at your local sanitation garage… with your paperwork which is accessible online,” he added.
🚨 NEW: Zohran Mamdani Calls on New Yorkers to Shovel Snow During Tomorrow’s Blizzard
— Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) February 21, 2026
“You too can become an emergency snow shoveler. Just show up at your local sanitation garage between 8am and 1pm tomorrow with your paperwork.” pic.twitter.com/ZifhOhPbGt
The program, run by the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY), pays shovelers $19.14 per hour, increasing to $28.71 per hour after 40 hours worked in a week. Due to the blizzard, pay for this storm starts at $30 per hour and rises to $45 per hour after 40 hours. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, eligible to work in the United States, and able to perform heavy physical labor. Required documents include two original forms of ID, two small photos, and a Social Security card.
The controversy drew social media attention and sharp criticism, with some users highlighting what they saw as hypocrisy. “Mamdani’s snow shovelers must be ‘Eligible to work in the United States,’” one user posted alongside a gif of activist Greta Thunberg mouthing “how dare you.”
Mamdani’s snow shovellers must be “Eligible to work in the United States.” https://t.co/8cNZQR3Po3 pic.twitter.com/3UjR6dniS3
— Hyperbolic Discounter (@HyperbolicDisco) February 21, 2026
Fox News host Jimmy Failla joked, “This is Jim SNOW 2.0.”
Zohran Mamdani requiring TWO forms of ID to be a voluntary shoveler for the blizzard. This is Jim SNOW 2.0
— Jimmy Failla (@jimmyfailla) February 21, 2026
A City Hall spokesperson emphasized that the documentation rules are a legal obligation under federal law and part of longstanding DSNY policy. “As as with any employer, the City of New York has a legal obligation under federal law to verify work authorization and maintain proper documentation before issuing payment. We are not legally permitted to hand out checks without completing that process,” a Mamdani spokesperson told The Post.
The city expects the snow removal program to be critical in maintaining public safety during the storm, as snowfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour could create hazardous conditions for residents and commuters.
